As the trip southward to the fort progressed, Crayne conversed with Hound, attempting to ascertain the depth of his loyalty and the effectiveness of the spell. He also pressed him for information regarding Caerloon. All of this was in earshot of the rest of the party, and they could hear Hound's responses. He seemed fairly loyal, though unarmed, he seemed enthusiastic about his role as "protector of the party." As for his origins, he could only say that he was from the town of Faren in northern Caerloon, and that he had never seen Mazen face to face...in fact, he had never even heard Mazen's name.

Following dinner with Captain Front at Fort Mitchend, Crayne asks about the town that Mazen might be based near. Guilliam joins in, asking the Captain for a map. The Captain signals one of his assistants, who quickly returns with a sheet of parchment, a map of north Caerloon. (Attached as "ncaerloon.gif") The map plainly shows Faren.

"We suspect he could be based outside one of the smaller towns in the old Kingdom of Faren. If not, the other rumor refers to a base in the hills, though that is a large area and we're not sure exactly where in the hills he might be found." Frond points to the hills on the map. "The map is not complete, but our information about the rest of Caerloon is not good, based mostly on historical fact over a hundred years old. This is the best information we have at the moment, at least in this fort."

"What of Mazen's tactics?" asks Cy. The Captain scratches his chin before responding.

"We have not actually seen him in person, it is rumored he commands his men from behind the line. His men are raiders, though effective at best. They are excellent at an ambush, especially in the light woodlands around this area. In an open field they are a powerful force, but can be dealt with--with much difficulty. They usually roam in bands between ten and twenty, as far as we can count, though this is often difficult."

"Can you tell me, good sir," begins Crayne, "if there is a magic-user among you here at Mitchend? If so, I would like to speak with him."

The captain looks down at his hands. "Unfortunately no. We did, once, have a powerful mage amoung us. But last month while travelling between Mitchend and one of the other forts, he was killed in a raid, and we have been without his protection since. I'm sorry I cannot help you, friend." Guilliam nods his head, looking disappointed. Crayne responds quietly, with, "I see. My condolences..." obviously disappointed and slightly upset with the murder of a fellow mage.

After dinner, some chores are taken care of. Guilliam checks on the horses in the stable, brushing them well and inspecting them for brands or other marks of ownership. He is happy to report that they lack any identifying marks, and all three seem to be well fed and rested.

Storm gives the Long Sword and Bastard Sword to Guilliam, asking him to see if he can bargain with the appropriate person at the fort for better quality weapons. "I don't think they'd...appreciate my approach to 'negotiations.'" Storm says. Guilliam agrees, chuckling at Storm's attempt at humor. Canter expresses interest and tags along. Storm also asks the two to make some purchases for him.

At the shop, Guilliam manages to exchange the rusty Long Sword for one of slightly better quality, but is unable to locate a decent Bastard Sword. Guilliam and Canter return later that night to Storm with the new Long Sword, the old Bastard Sword, 3 new daggers, 100 ft of hemp rope (which Canter had to carry--it is heavy rope!) and a grappling hook. Storm repayed them the 11gp, 8sp for the purchases. (Dave, please subtract 11.8 from Storm's money.)

While at the shop, Canter attempted to determine the quality of Storm's new stiletto. Though the weaponsmith was impressed with it's strong construction, he did not find any markings that would suggest any magic powers.

Canter returned from the shop with some new pieces of leather, intending to fashion them as padding underneath his new suit of Ring Mail.

Edryd retires to his room for the night, complaining quietly about his sore wounds. He is not heard from until the following day, though the party suspects he is praying...

During the afternoon of the following day, the group discusses Guilliam's idea of getting a wagon and masquerading as a troupe of travelling entertainers is discussed and ultimately approved by the group. "Can you lead us to Faren?" Edryd inquires of Hound.

"I can, sir," the (tamed) brute replies.

Guilliam then goes off to inquire about a wagon, which takes some time. By the evening, he returns with the news, which he delivers over dinner with the group. "The men at the fort had a great wagon, but it was destroyed in a raid while delivering some supplies to the other nearby forts. They would not let me take their other wagon, though they did tell me they could sell us an older one, of slighly less sturdy construction, for a mere 24 gold pieces."

The group approves, and after collecting 4gp from each member (please subtract this from your records)--though not from Hound, who is penniless--he arranges for the purchase. The wagon is relatively small, perhaps six feet long and three feet wide, covered with a light cloth, about four feet tall. "It will do," proclaims Guilliam.

That night, Guilliam entertains the party and some of the soldiers in the fort with a wonderful retelling (though slightly embellished!) of their battle on the road to Mitchend. The men are well entertained, often laughing at Guilliam's wisecracks. Even Storm was heard bellowing with laughter at one point. By the end of the night, all retire to their rooms with smiling faces.

The following morning awakens to chaos. Canter is first to emerge from his room into the square, soon followed by Cy. They find most of the soldiers milling about, with a few of the officers congregating around a table by the well. They are obviously talking about something serious.

Canter goes back inside and wakes up the rest of the party. They all soon emerge to find some soldiers arguing, others just sitting around quiety, a stunned look on their face. Edryd marches over to the officer's conference, which is quiet, though heated. "I'm going to see if I can find the Captain among them," Edryd says as he walks to the table.

The whole party can see that Edryd is surprised--stunned. He quickly turns around and rushes back to the party with the news.

"Something terrible has happened," he exclaims, his eyes wide. "May the gods be with us; the Captain is dead!"

It is as if everyone at the party asks questions at once. "How so?" "What happened?" "How do you know?" "Who is in charge?" The questions pound of Edryd's ears. He holds up his hands, calling for silence.

"They found him this morning. Murdered in his sleep. Someone killed him last night, slit his throat and ran him through the heart. The officers can't agree on what to do. Some blame other officers, some suspect the enlisted men, a few even suspect us! Others want to seek out the leadership of one of the Knights from another fort, but it will take at least a full day for another Knight to arrive!"

The party looks around as the information sinks in. The soldiers have begun to form small circles. A few are arguing loudly about what to do, others just standing around kicking dirt and shaking their heads. Occasionally a soldier casts a suspicious glace at the party..."

6. Most importantly: WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?!?

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